I have been dealt with all kinds of languages and usually just end up trying to keep my head above water. I am only looking at programming, not in an academic sense, but how it can be used to solve messy real-world problems.

Life is messy. All we can do is keep beating back the bushes

I couldn't tell you how many times SO saved my bacon. If you see an overwhelming number of votes on an answer, go with that. If you see an overwhelming number of votes on a question, then find another way.